If you can't get a dimmer tonight, just leave the lamp on and get a dimmer tomorrow. A dimmer is only a temporary way to control your heat source though. You will find that if you room temperature fluctuates by even a few degrees, it can cause your heat pad to over heat, or not heat enough. You will have to check temps a few times a day and adjust the dimmer accordingly. A thermostat takes the adjusting out. A thermostat will automatically adjust the power that goes to the UTH by measuring its temperature. You can buy a cheap reptile thermostat online called the reptitemp 500r. It is not the fanciest model on the market, but it gets the job done.


A good rule is to NEVER listen to pet store employees. They are often poorly educated and just want to sell you things you don't need. Do youself a favor and just don't listen to them.